Required fields are marked *. There you must pay a 100-quetzal entry fee (roughly $US13), which sounds a bit pricey for Guatemala but does include a guide provided by the park. Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop). Most of the time mornings are calm, with the wind and waves only kicking up around noon, which makes it a great lake for kayaking. The tour starts in Panajachel and the hike will take you past a sacred Mayan site before finishing in the traditional town of Solol with lunch at a local comedor. This is many visitors favorite thing to do while visiting Lake Atitlan and we have watched many people go from village to village to make sure they have seen all the options. Lake Atitlan, also known as Lago de Atitlan, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The Indian Nose mountain summit (also known as Rostro Maya or El Nariz del Indio) is a popular sunrise hike activity to do while in Lake Atitln! HOME; ABOUT; WORK; COURSE; PODCAST; DESTINATIONS; Nav Social Icons. Or you could follow our example and stay for 1-3 months to truly soak it all in. So when we read that it is not necessarily recommended to swim in all areas of Lake Atitlan we were a little bummed. Weve been swimming in Lake Atitlan since 2010 and most mornings are calm and gorgeous, perfect for a long exercise swim, some adventurous cliff jumping or maybe just some relaxing floating. However, most people think that visiting Lake Atitlan Guatemala is only about seeing the lake. You should definitely check it out to decide for yourself. Visit San Juan La Laguna For Some Local Crafts 6. Slow-moving expats determined to speed up the aging process via a strict regimen of drinking alone in the morning tend to prefer the sports bars of San Pedro and Pana. Most sign up for a week at a time and take 3-4 hours of classes each weekday with group activities on the weekend. Unlike Mexico, where they speak 100 miles per hour and the slang is practically a language unto itself, most Guatemalans around the lake are just proficient enough for us to understand. Most of the trail runs across the face of the hill high above the water with great views across to the volcanoes. Usually. Sometimes even things they really dont need, and maybe barely even want. Free Cerveza (supposedly guests get one free welcome beer) is a very popular budget backpacker hostel and when everyone congregates on the docks and loungers out front it can get pretty festive. And if you don't believe me, just ask Aldous Huxley. The 23 best things to do in Lake Atitln, Guatemala It has most of the cheaper accommodation and the best nightlife. La Nariz del Indio (Indian Nose) or Rostro Maya. If youre reading this you probably already know that Lake Atitlan is stunning, definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America, possibly the world. And these arent exactly common around Lake Atitlan. You can also walk there from San Juan in about 15 minutes or access it by private boat. Just be sure youre on the correct side of the lake before things take a turn for the rough. And trust me, youll know if there is a algae bloom (and they only happen once per decade or so). 21 reviews 51 helpful votes 1. Around the lake, there are multiple towns and communities where travelers can stay, visit and explore. The men, unsurprisingly, seem less concerned, most wearing jeans and t-shirts (sometimes button-up shirts). San Pedro la Laguna: Guide to Lake Atitlans Most Popular Village. You need at least 3 days to explore the best bits of Lake Atitlan, take in the views from different vantage points, see a couple villages and experience local life. But he still said it, just ask around. Lake Atitlan is Guatemalas third-largest freshwater lake. We have often gone months at a time without a single drop of rain in the winter months. Every village has its own market, but for my money (of which you wont need much). Lake Atitln. Panajachel: Gateway to Stunning Lake Atitlan. Located at 5,125 feet above sea level, the lake is cold, clear, and deep. This odd little Mayan/Catholic diety will happily greet you in exchange for donations of booze and cigarettes. Pepian is a traditional Guatemalan stew made of peanuts, and one of the most popular to eat and cook while on the lake. You can book a tour to do this hike at sunrise* for spectacular views, or you can hike it on your own during the day. is-safe-to-swim-in-lake-atitlan - Tours Atitlan - 2023's Best Lake You can go through all the Doron Yoga retreats coming up and pick the one that fits you best. If you dont have a lot of time to spend at the lake but still want to enjoy the best bits, the most efficient way is to sign up for a full-day Lake Atitlan boat tour out of Panajachel. The last option is the back of a pick up truck. THE 10 BEST Lake Atitlan Hotels with a Pool - Tripadvisor We have often used chicken buses and they are occasionally uncomfortable (always try to get on early and get a seat on the inside of the row as they put 3 people per row and the 3rd person only really gets one butt cheek on the seat), hectic and slightly dangerous but they are always entertaining and give you a true taste of Guatemalan life. We have only linked to products we actually recommend and although using one to make a purchase wont cost you anything extra, it will earn us a small commission, which is much appreciated. There are mixed reviews about the safety of swimming in the lake, but a beautiful lake glistening in the sun is just too much for me to resist. Lake Atitln is famous . Or you can buy a USB stick with data that plugs directly into your laptop. . There are no rivers leading out of the lake so it is presumed that there are fissures at the bottom of the lake that allow water out. We still find it useful for money transfers to Pasajcap, however, and we can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. But never fawning or overbearing. Once you are sure of the current rate, make sure you have exact change, then just hand it over when yu get off the boat and keep walking. Most people pass through on the popular hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos and those looking for peace and quiet often stay longer. San Juan is all about the art. Definitely. The hotel has kayaks and paddleboards available for guests, or you can rent one in Santa Cruz or San Marcos and make your own way there. Each town around Lake Atitlan is nestled into the mountainsides (or volcano-side), with perfect views of the sparkling blue water and green mountainsides. Tiny Jaibalito is the only village that is not accessible by road, only by boat or on foot. While the common use of Mayan languages means there are times you wont understand whats being said, it provides a big benefit for amateur Spanish speakers like myself in that most people speak very simple Spanish. We paid 900Q for 4 people for a boat from 9:30 to 4pm to give an idea. You can either opt to hire a guide, or simply travel in a group and avoid carrying any valuables. Hotel Utz Jay is a great value choice. Highly recommended. San Pedro, in particular, is known for its massiveand very loud Good Friday procession. The lanchas of Lake Atitlan buzz back and forth between the villages constantly from morning until night. They have been unfailingly helpful every time we use one. Its is obviously our favourite as we have been coming back to it for over a decade. And while the lake itself is impressive, it's the traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake that really got my attention. There are 13 villages/towns around the lake, 11 of which have facilities for tourists, and we have also written individual guides to each of those with much more information. Required fields are marked *. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a44d6fb3246df70fb42acc49b3bd7530" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can hire a boat from any of the public docks or most accommodation will be able to arrange one. In some villages, though, the older men still wear traditional garb. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards if youre looking to mix it up. Just about everyone flies into Guatemala City, with decent connections from lots of places around the world, particularly Mexico, the USA, El Salvador and Bogota. It also has some outstanding viewpoints and one of the best swimming areas on the lake. Usually we go in a group of 4-6 people, but we have also done it with just the two of us many times without incident. Santa Cruz might just have the best views youll find anywhere on the lake (which is definitely saying something). It has a great fruit and vegetable market twice a week and lots of excellent restaurants. Although guides in Guatemala dont cost much and are usually helpful, you dont really need one, although there are a few spots along the way where entrepreneurial farmers now charge access fees to cross their land. terrific 3-day hike from Xela to Lake Atitlan. There is an impressive collection of accommodation along the waterfront and it is also home to the oldest scuba diving shop on the lake. Check out our guide to the Best Yoga Retreats on Lake Atitlan for all the details. Some of the villages that are less accessible by public transportation such as Santiago Atitlan, San Lucas Toliman, San Antonio Palopo and Santa Catarina Palopo are great to visit by private boat and are all surprisingly distinct from each other. Top 16 Things to Do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | Two Wandering Soles Learn how to build a functioning permaculture farm, take up herbal medicine or sign up for a yoga training or retreat. Hike Indian Nose At Sunrise 2. Even though this trip takes place out of Antigua, not the lake, almost everyone that visits Lake Atitlan ends up there either before or after. 10Q from San Pedro to San Juan or San Marcos to San Pablo and more for a longer trip. But there is a beautiful nature sanctuary in San Marco with some really fun jumping rocks! We go into much greater detail on places to stay and specific hotels in our Best Lake Atitlan Hotels: Where to Stay in Each Village. Not a bad idea, either, although I personally like to be able to dive down if necessary without anything holding me to the surface. The vibrantly painted multilevel KiaqAiswaan Observation Deck now completely surrounds the original cross on the hill and provides stunning views over the lake, volcanoes and San Juan. You can take a class to learn more about these traditional dishes and cook a few of . There are also the Fuentes Georginas hot springs nearby that can be visited on a day trip from Lake Atitlan along with the fascinating vegetable market in Zunil on Thursdays. Same with the sewage disposal, check out how your Atitlan accommodation takes care of that as well.Book tours with local tour groups when you visit. It is a must-see when travelling through Central America and well worth visiting on a specific trip as many do. Hello everyone! Kayakers, paddleboarders, swimmers, sunbathers, drinkers, music, etc. Pyramids of Giza, Taj Mahal, Bagan) but we have yet to find a place with such an appealing combination of beauty, activities, value and friendliness. We are rarely overcharged on these buses and they always eventually make change even if you only have big bills (quetzales only though). If you have a good stomach for heights you should consider this epic Lake Atitlan adventure. Lake Atitlan Guatemala: An Ultimate Travel Guide - Traveladvo Never carry obvious valuables. A faster direct one that cuts across the middle of the lake and the one that goes along the edge past the villages of Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, San Marcos and San Juan before stopping in San Pedro. Normally the Lake Atitlan water quality is quite good but, historically, every 5-10 years Lake Atitlan has suffered an algae bloom, caused by cyanobacteria in the water. There are no rules for swimming in Lake Atitlan except dont swim around the boat traffic, because you will piss the boat drivers off if they hit you. Some examples of classes on offer are reiki, massage, meditation, probiotic fermentation with Love Probiotics whose products are for sale around the lake, or balancing your chakras. Skip to primary navigation; . An ancient crater lake surrounded by volcanoes, steep hills and traditional Mayan villages. Now, to answer the most common question about Lake Atitlan (although you can probably guess where well land on the issue): Yes, most of the lake is perfectly safe for swimming. Weve always had a soft spot for its appealing combination of urban amenities, picturesque old town squares and comfortable highland climate. In general, Lake Atitlan is safe for tourists. The main reason Lake Atitlan is so photogenic are its volcanoes. Check out Atitlan Women Weavers Cooperativa in San Pedro, Tienda Candelaria in San Antonio Palopo or Cojolya Weaving Centre and Museum in Santiago Atitlan. 1. She offers classes at Blind Lemon, online or you can arrange for her to come to you instead. Casa Pierre) and the rocky point of Cerro Tzan Kumibal is one of the best places to swim in Lake Atitlan. For a detailed breakdown, check out The Best Places to Swim in Lake Atitlan. Heres the link to tour types, times, and prices:https://indefinitetravel.com/lakeatitlan. This isnt as common but it is our usual form of transportation when going from San Pablo up to Santa Clara on the edge of the caldera to go hiking. Avoiding the busiest dock areas in front of the main village drainage is the first step. Dry season runs from mid-November to the end of April and is the most popular time of year to go to Lake Atitlan. Although a week would be even better to give you the chance to stay in more than one village and try a few of the many activities on offer. Tell the bus attendant where you want to go and they will tell you where to get off and point you to the next bus if you need to change buses. From minor religious days to sprawling annual village ferias (fairs) that can last several weeks, Guatemalans love their festivals.
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